Toni,
I don't know if you're having a panick attack or not, but breathing exercises are one of the most helpful thing I have every learned. Here is a quick intro:
Hyperventilation causes levels of CO2 to drop in the blood stream, CO2 is very important in maintaining a proper pH level in the blood, too little CO2 causes pH to rise in nerve cells, making them more excitable and can contribute to many of the fight or flight symptoms we experience during a panic attack. SO, there are two types of breathing 1) thoracic or Upper Chest Breathing, and 2) diaphragmatic breathing. Upper chest breathing is more rapid and shallow, and is actually fight or flight response to get more oxygen fast. Diaphragmatic breathing is what we all should be doing normally. But most of us don't. I know myself I used to suck in my stomach to look skinnier or wear too tight clothes - this promotes upper chest breathing.
Anyhow: Your stomach (abdomen, diaphragm) should move out as you breathe in, and should return as you breathe out. Your chest should not really move. It seemed wierd to me at first to do it, and I had to force it, but now it's quite natural. If you lie on your back, force your stomach out as you breathe in, and let it relax as you exhale. Continue practising day in and day out. It's easiest lying down, but soon you will find you do it all the time unconsciously. And it helps! PS my book says that a normal breathing rate is 8-16 times per minute.
Sorry so long, hope it helps
FIXING
